Holder East Workplace by Fender Katsalidis

When approaching the task of designing its new headquarters on Queen Street in Melbourne’s CBD, boutique real estate developer Holder East wanted to work alongside an established local architect with an aligned vision. Fender Katsalidis was the ideal partner for this exciting new venture, delivering a highly considered, tranquil space that reflects both Holder East’s and Fender Katsalidis’s values.

The entry into the office is through an open space that is illuminated by an abundance of natural light, immediately establishing a sense of calm that deviates from the streetscape. The floor plan creates a timeless space with a sense of flow – there is an area for entertaining clients and visitors, and front-of-house and back-of-house zones, delineating spaces for breakout, collaboration, socialising and work.

Textures are dominated by raw, neutral tones reminiscent of beautiful natural landscapes – a deliberate way of reconnecting employees with feelings of calm.

Fender Katsalidis took cues from the building’s architecture to inform the interior design choices. Large steel-framed partitions and doors along corridors and between the two zones allow visibility and natural light to filter through the office. Sculptural furnishings and brass- accented joinery complement the lightness of the space, while rounded Venetian plaster walls, fine-grain terrazzo tiles and light linen drapery feature, imbuing a serene and sophisticated design language.

Textures are dominated by raw, neutral tones reminiscent of beautiful natural landscapes – a deliberate way of reconnecting employees with feelings of calm. The ceiling is left exposed and untreated, revealing features such as ductwork. The robust nature of these elements is complemented by refined furnishings and detailing, resulting in a layered and rich finish.

The space is reminiscent of residential kitchens, rejecting the often sterile and lacklustre quality associated with office zones, instead injecting warmth and personality.

This theme continues in the open-plan kitchen and bar area, a central feature of the office and the main gathering hub. A monolithic stone bench and tonal grey cabinetry evoke warmth and intrigue, making the space feel welcoming. In this sense, the space is reminiscent of residential kitchens, rejecting the often sterile and lacklustre quality associated with office zones, instead injecting warmth and personality.

A considered juxtaposition to the urban context of Melbourne’s CBD, Holder East’s new workplace by Fender Katsalidis is relaxed and timeless in equal measure. The light, textural and honest design language provides the ideal backdrop for a place where people come to spend their weekdays, nurturing wellbeing, productivity and subtle connections to nature.

Interior design by Fender Katsalidis. Build by MacDonald&Co.